The gerbera is one of the flowering plants that we can most easily find for sale in nurseries, garden stores and in local markets, and for good reason: that is the season in which it is most beautiful, since it is when its flowers burst forth forcefully and open, exposing their precious petals. But, due to its tropical origin, it is good to ask yourself if it is for indoors or outdoors, since otherwise we would run the risk of losing it before time.
And it is that although it is not difficult to care for, it can be demanding when grown in a place where winters are cold, and even more so if there are frosts. For all this, we are going to explain if the gerbera is indoor or outdoor.
What is the ideal climate for the gerbera?
Regardless of whether we are going to have it outdoors or indoors, it is important that we know what the ideal climate for the gerbera is. In this way, we will be able to provide her with better care, since if it is cold, for example, we will know that we have to protect her; or if, on the contrary, the temperatures are warm (but mild) throughout the year, we can grow it outdoors.
Therefore, first of all it is convenient to know that the gerbera belongs to a homonymous genus (Gerbera), which includes about 30 varieties, which They are native to Africa and central and tropical Asia.. The most cultivated species is gerbera jamesoniiwhich is a plant native to South Africa, specifically from the Transvaal region.
The climate that allows the growth of this flower is, therefore, tropical.. With an average annual temperature of 18ºC, it should not survive frost, although it can tolerate cold. Extreme temperatures are about 30ºC maximum during the summer, and about 10ºC in winter. In addition, during the summer period it receives rain thanks to which it can grow and flourish.
And now that we know this, let’s see if it’s indoor or outdoor.
Is the gerbera indoor or outdoor?
It will depend a lot on the weather in our area. If, for example, in winter temperatures drop below 0 degrees, it is best to have it at home; but if this is not the case, then you can be outside without a problem. Another thing we can do is keep it indoors as long as we can take it to a room where there is a lot of light, since otherwise it will not be able to grow or produce its precious flowers.
Since it is a relatively small plant, it is possible to keep it in a pot throughout its life. For this reason, it is especially recommended to have it in one if we live in an area where it is cold, because as soon as the temperatures drop we can put it in the house. An alternative, if we want to enjoy it in the garden, is to plant it without removing the pot. Thus, when the time comes we can easily remove it, without causing damage.
What care do you need?
To finish, if you want to know how to take care of the gerbera, here is a care guide that you must provide so that you can keep it for years:
Location
- Outdoor: if you are going to have it outside, it is important that you put it in a sunny area, where it receives at least 4 hours of direct light.
- Interior: at home, you have to place it in a room where there is a lot of light, for example, near a window. But yes, do not put it right in front of it as it could burn. You should also remember to rotate the pot a little every day so that all parts of the gerbera receive the same amount of light.
Soil or substrate
the gerbera needs soil rich in organic matter and light. If it is planted in a heavy one, which is easily waterlogged, the roots will be damaged. For this reason, if you are going to plant it in the garden, you must first make sure that the soil drains the water quickly, by making a hole of about 40 x 40 centimeters and filling it with water. If it takes more than half an hour to absorb it, you will have to fill it with a mixture of peat and perlite in equal parts.
On the other hand, if it is going to be in a pot, you can put universal substrate from well-known brands, such as Flower, Boom Nutrientsthe BioBizz. By clicking on the links you can buy the one you want.
Irrigation
How often do you have to water the gerbera? Usually, it will be done every 5 or 6 days during the winter, and every 2 or 3 days in summer. But beware: this will depend a lot on the climate of the area, and the fact is that the higher the temperatures and the less it rains, the more it will be necessary to water.
We will pour the water onto the ground until we see it soaked. If it is in a pot, we will do it until it comes out through its drainage holes. And in addition, it is advisable to water in the afternoon, especially in summer, so that the plant can take better advantage of the water.
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It is advisable to pay the gerbera in spring and in summer. This way you will have better health. For this, you can use fertilizers or liquid fertilizers, such as guano or one specific for flowering plants. Following the instructions for use, we will make it beautiful.
